Salem's Green Future: Key Updates from the Conservation Commission's May Meetings

The Salem Conservation Commission has been focusing on local conservation efforts through a series of meetings and workshops. In April 2024, the Commission held two special meetings at the Salem Town Hall to discuss their goals and update the Wetlands Ordinance with the help of an Ad-Hoc Committee.

At the first meeting, the Commission set several goals for the year, which were later discussed at their regular meeting on May 1, 2024. These goals include monitoring conservation easements, hiring professional services for land management, and revising the Open Space Master Plan. They also plan to establish pollinator gardens on Conservation or Town-owned lands.

The second meeting focused on revising the Wetlands Ordinance. An Ad-Hoc Committee was established to complete this task by March 31, 2025. This effort aims to improve local wetland regulations essential for protecting Salem’s natural habitats.

On April 29, 2024, Georgia Brust, the Chair of the Conservation Commission, attended the Town Council’s 'SMART' Goal Setting Workshop at Salem High School. The Commission shared three SMART goals, including completing improvements at Bill Valentine Park by November 30, 2024, and enhancing pollinator plantings in the Town Forest by December 31, 2024.

The Bill Valentine Park project, started in June 2021, will feature a natural meadow, new picnic tables, and a landscape bed. This project is pending the availability of the Department of Public Works to start constructing a parking lot and guardrails.

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